R + R
3:13 PM
we're off for a little 2 week escape to argentina + chile. i hope everyone has a fantastic holiday, and i'll be sharing many stories and photos {probably too many} when we return, cheers.
this year we'll be traveling during christmas, which inevitably had me come across some epic travel-friendly gifts. need any last minute stocking stuffers? these should all fit nicely in your luggage.
<from the top, left to right>
1. custom camera strap – some cool shops on etsy found here and here (pictured)
2. travel dominos – because you never know when you'll need to bust out a game
3. mini-sriracha – it's always smart to be packin'
4. opinel wine and cheese knife – cheese plates anywhere anytime
5. flavored toothpicks – my favorite are the cinnamon
{they have these at the check-out counter at stag if you live in austin}
6. filson daypack – the perfect everyday travel bag
7. carry on cocktail kit – cheers!
8. travel scrabble – the same reason as #2
happy holidays!
i'm looong overdue for a trip to nyc, and next time i go, i'm staying a night at urban cowboy in brooklyn – a converted town home turned b&b. i initially was inspired by this place when i found them on instagram, and have since seen it popping up all over the place. they only have 4 rooms, though, ranging from $100 – $400 a night. {or a measly $2,000 to rent the whole cowboy}!
i imagine booking in advance is key. perhaps i should start planning now... happy friday. images via
a festive austin staple, the trail of lights, celebrated their 50 year anniversary this year – which means extra-fun decorations, ferris wheels and candylands. this week we cozied up with great friends for holiday drinks (champagne punch that went down much too smoothly), snacks, and treats before walking the 1.5 mile trail filled with lights and trees and food trucks and music. nothing else gets me in the holiday spirit as much as this tradition! 
mexico city ($77 / night)
tulum, mexico ($109 / night)
ericeira, portugal ($160/night)
lisbon, portugal ($128/night)
when i have time to kill i often cruise airbnb's website and add things to my wishlist so that i don't forget about all of the cute places that are out there {remember these?} . lately, mexico and protugal have been on my mind...
olamaie was recently put on our radar when we heard they have "the best biscuits in the whole world" – it has been confirmed! best biscuits ever. and the rest of their food is pretty delicious + unique, too. check it out if you're ever in the UT campus area ...
we spent friday evening celebrating the holiday season at blanton museum of art with kp's office – everyone looked so fancy and we had a lovely time sipping moscow mules, exploring the museum at night (anyone?), dancing up a storm with tameca jones, and of course after-partying at hotel vegas and via 313 on east 6th. i'm still having trouble grasping the fact that december is half way over – where has this last year gone?
sometimes when i sleep in tents i get very scared and stressed out by all of the noises (it's a pain point because i really do love camping). basecamp hotel in south lake tahoe could be my newest solve for this. the cozy elements of camping paired with the safe warm walls of a hotel? yes. please.
this passed weekend we had visitors from all over gather together in boerne for a second thanksgiving + pre-christmas celebration and it was lovely. the weekend was filled with great food, baby time, relaxing, relaxing, and more relaxing. 
